WOW! This chapter was a serious struggle for me! Ive typed and erased countlessly until I was satisfied with how it came out... I was stuck on certain area's that's also why it took me longer than I said it would, I apologize. Part Two is also over 6,000 words, and I'm not sure how that came to be, (since i erased so much) I lose track of how long it gets when I'm really on a roll with typing. Lol Longer chapters makes everyone happy, I'm sure ;)

I'm hoping I havnt lost my marbles and this chapter makes sense and flows smoothly for you guys.(As I really was stuck on some parts)

Special Thanks to those who Reviewed, BTW Have I mentioned that I frickin' LOVE you guys?!

Guest, Mannuj, pizzarolls!

MissKonoha: Truly you make me feel confident in how the characters are being portrayed, their interactions with one another and the fact that they are still in character makes me giddy! It's nice to hear the readers perspective on the relationships and friendships as I always worry somethings dont come through the way I hope they do. And you confirm a lot of that for me , so Thank you. As we spoke about through the PM, theres a lot going on in this chapter, I was a little anxious to post it to be frank, since I was debating erasing it all and starting over. But I will wait patiently for your honest, detailed review.(I LOVE them) Thank you dear.

ILoveSxS: That, is a very good assumption. I cannot confirm or tell you anything more though ;))

saki: YAY! I got another one hooked! Lol, Oh I'm soo stoked that your enjoying the story so far, Ive had a blast writing it. Yes, *Spoiler* There will be a 'beating up Suigetsu scene' and I promise it wont be to brutal. But it will be well deserved ;) Yes Sakura, has got her defenses up with all shes been through, she doesn't know it but he's already, slowly making his way into her heart! And yes, shes going to have to break his walls down to ;))

sakuraseeker2792: Thank you so much! I'm soo sorry for the confusion, yes the Italic writings are her flashbacks, but there are some shorter memories she's had that are in the regular print, Ive been meaning to go edit my chapters after posting this one, so I will be sure to fix those errors! I'm soooo glad they are in character so far as that has been my biggest fear!

Disclaimer: I Do not own Naruto, simply the plot.

Please, do read on...

Chapter Ten: Blow-Out Part Two.

Come on make me feel until the pain don't matter
Every second here makes my heart beat faster
I know what it feels like, Come on make me feel alive

Arm's crossed defensively over her chest, Sakura paced, taking furious steps as she walked; her feet would meet the bottom edges of the bathroom door, she'd turn around, walk a few steps, find her friends blue-painted toes and turned back again. This repeated for some time until she came back and found Ino's feet no longer in her downcast line of sight. Before she could stop and search for the blonde, she bodily bumped into her.

"Would you stop that!" Ino wore an annoyed expression, grasping Sakura's shoulders before she could pull away from her,"I'm just - so mad at Naruto right now I cant even stand it!" The rosette huffed, reluctantly ceasing her movements.

A heavy sigh escaped Ino before releasing Sakura,"He was definitely out of line... And I cannot believe Sasuke actually said that to you... After you genuinely apologized.. " the blonde fought the grin threatening to form on her lips, she silently admitted that what Sasuke had said was kinda funny... and true but definitely not okay. She continued heatedly,"And Shika is being a total jerk to.. Can you believe he made me wait so long for him to show up and had the nerve to call me troublesome for interrogating him? Ugh! Those punks need to get off their high horses!"

Emerald eyes widened in alarm, as she took in the plotting look her blonde friend was now wearing,"Ino... whatever your thinking I dont-" Ino clasped her hand over the good-sensed rosettes mouth.

"Forehead... If Naruto prefers overreacting, than, lets give him - all of them - something to really freak out about."

Sakura merely raised a pink brow in response. Translation, Like? (kinda hard to communicate verbally when you, cant.) Ino let her hand drop, and a conniving smile overtook her pretty features.

That smile, cannot be trusted.

Once her blonde friend came to a decision, there was no changing her mind. The rosette was aware of Ino's tendencies, and could only manage to shake her head in protest.

The sun was beginning to set and the surrounding bystanders would guess the party had only just begun. The energy was high, higher than they began with. Music was still bumping from the speakers and the dancers had increased. And, so had the games.

There was a big group crowded around a rectangle table at the very back of the Yacht. A total of six red cups pre-formed into a triangle, were placed on each end of said table, filled with beer. At one end stood a restless Naruto, his golden cheeks were painted with a permanent blush, (due to his excessive drinking) as he rotated and stretched his shoulders and neck, as if preparing for the fight of his life. Shikamaru could be seen standing behind and rubbing the shoulders of the boy who stood at the other end. Sasuke's countenance was one of intimidation, as he sized-up the blonde.(even with his half-lidded eyes.)

Cue the 'Let's get ready to rumble' guy.

Loosening the young Uchiha's shoulder and neck muscles, the lazy genius leaned in to whisper in his ear, "Easy now, we all know the Omega can definitely drink every last beer here, but he has a lower tolerance than you... He'll pass out, or heave before this final match is over," he finished in that strategic voice of his. Shikamaru had nothing against Naruto, only the fact that he had a wad of cash on the line against Hyuuga, who was betting on Uzumaki. (Sasuke was aware of the their wagers, not much got passed him) The ebony-haired boy merely nodded, keeping his gaze trained on the grinning blonde. The idiot had already drunk enough for everyone on the boat and had spontaneously declared a beer-pong match between himself and Sasuke. Always one for a challenge, and for an opportunity to make the the dobe cry ramen, Sasuke had accepted. It was now round three, and this was the tie-breaker.

There were several girls surrounding Sasuke's side cheering him on, Karin and Ami being the loudest amongst the bunch. They both momentarily stopped their loud chanting and silently fumed as Ayame boldly stepped out of the crowd and took the few short steps to reach Sasuke's side. Flashing a smug smirk back at the girls over her shoulder before she stood on the tips of her toes and whispered huskily into his ear, 'innocently' pressing her barely-covered front against his bare side and upper arm in the process. He leisurely turned a dark expression on her, in which she refrained from flinching at the intensity of it and continued to stay by his side, awaiting his response at her naughty' offer. The raven-haired boys visage suddenly changed and he remained locked on her gaze, unable to look away or shove her off because... They were a white-green shade. He found himself thinking of different eyes. A darker shade... So brilliant, it was as if they were two emerald stones gleaming up at him. The image of her soaked and breathless flashed through his mind, making him nearly groan aloud.(obviously he had had to much to drink)

Encouraged that he had yet to reject her, Ayame giggled at his far-away expression, grasping his muscular arm and preparing to kiss his cheek for 'good-luck. The skin contact seemed to snap Sasuke back to reality. Disgusted, he immediately untangled himself from her and threw a subtle glance at Shikamaru, who stood at his other side. The lazy genius understood, and quickly went into action, smoothly pulling a subdued Ayame away.

The boys were so engrossed with the game, they were completely ignorant to the eyes watching them analytically from the second floor, waiting for the right moment to foray. To strike.

A specific rosette remained silent and avoided the questioning gazes of her three friends, at the audacious display Ayame had just put forth. The strawberry-blonde merely sighed and looked away from the scene. She wasn't offended in the slightest, she could care less. She wished Sasuke and his fan-girls all the best.

The others continued to watch the scene below, what they saw next caused a certain blonde and brunette to seethe. They watched Shikamaru and Neji openly flirting with Megumi, who had bright magenta hair and striking yellow eyes, clad in a deep cut black swimsuit, and Hana with long black hair and dreamy-purple irises clad in a red swimsuit. They laughed at something Shikamaru said, and Hana innocently nudged his shoulder. Megumi took the moment to lean over and whisper in the Hyuuga's ear, getting a boyish smirk out of him. It was all the spying girls could do not to throw themselves off the second floor and tackle them to the ground.

The brunette puffed angrily, eyes narrowing into dangerous slits at the sight of Neji and Megumi, and the blonde was livid, exhaling the breath she had been unconsciously holding, she spoke between clenched teeth,"Alright girls, its go time."

A shaky breath left Sakura's lips as she eyed the object of her anxiety,"Ino, this is too crazy. We have no clue how to ride these things... Cant we just - dump beer on them or something?" She pleaded in a hushed tone. The blonde merely threw her a stern look,"Tenten already told us what to do, no backing out Sakura, get on that Jet-Ski. Now." She demanded. Sakura knew her friends were a bit hurt at the boys obvious interactions with the other females(Sakura herself was still offended by Sasuke and Naruto's demeanor and attitudes)but surely they could get them back another way? Stealing their Jet-ski's and all the booze they could carry was a bit brash to say the least(They had stolen the boys favorite beer's that Naruto kept in a 'secret' place) Shaking off her inner-dread, Sakura reluctantly hopped onto the black-cushioned leather seat, she being the last one since the others were already seated(Hinata was the only one not riding her own, since she definitely didn't trust herself and felt more comfortable riding with a determined Tenten) They all looked at one another making sure they were all situated and as planned, turned on the water-bikes at the same time, so they could move-out together. The engines roaring to life were louder than they expected and it immediately drew the attention they were originally leaning towards but hadn't exactly wanted until they were a distance away. Confused shouts could be heard behind them and the girls panicked, hastily squeezing the clutch, trying to get the damn Jet-ski's to move. But they seemed to be halted in place.

The brunette's sharp eyes caught sight of the rope still connected to the Jetski's but it was not tied to the dock, it was hooked underneath it, explaining why they had missed it,"Shit! The rope is still hooked around the Jet-ski's! Quick, grab the rope and pull yourselves back to the Yacht, its attached to the hook underneath the dock!" Deciding it too risky to just ride the Jet-ski's back to the dock, since they weren't exactly pro's. They were trying to get back at the boys, not wreck the Yacht.

"Dammit!" The blonde grunted as she and Sakura let go of the gas clutch and turned around in their seats, grabbing the rope attached by their feet, they began pulling themselves back to the deck. A few of the nearby boys who were currently witnessing the girls attempt at stealing the Jet-Ski's began shouting Sasuke's, Neji's and Shikamaru's names. The girls were in a frenzy, they were still trying to reach the dock, if the boys came now they would never get away.

"Where the hell is m-my BEER!?" A slurred voiced shouted close-by, and the girls immediately identified it as Naruto and couldn't help but burst out laughing. He made it all worth-while. In-between the laughter Ino's mirthful aqua orbs accidentally fell upon Shikamaru's dark depths, he didn't look happy and was quickly making his way over to them with Neji and Sasuke in tow, and the grin instantly wiped off her face,"Oh shit, hurry!" She shrieked. Finally reaching the dock, one after the other, their hands dipped into the water and began blindly searching for the hook. Ino was the first to grasp it, quickly she unhooked it, turned in her seat and sped off a short distance so she would be out of reach, she watched frantically as Tenten unhooked the rope as well and released the clutch to join Ino. Stopping beside the blonde, they both watched anxiously as the rosette struggled with her rope.

"Sakura, stop!"

Neji's voice boomed across the deck, causing Sakura to jump in her skin where she sat, but her hands continued to rigidly work under the deck for the rope. She would not be the one to get caught dammit! She was slightly panting with the rush of nerves and made her arms dip low into the water one final time, her arms screaming in protest at the strain, but finally she felt the thick rope unhook from the large hook, causing her straining body to fall back against the seat of the Jet-Ski. Another skin grazed her flailing arms and she looked up at the physical contact to find Sasuke's hand clenched tightly and retreating. He and Neji didn't waste a second, diving into the water to retrieve the closer Jet-Ski. Shaking off her shocked stupor, Sakura scrambled up as they both submerged into the water and immediately moved to grab the clutch, even before she was seated properly, causing her to fly out of reach. Ino began screaming and waving her arms excitedly and Tenten shouted as she fist-pumped the air. The rosette neared to a stop in the center of them and only then allowed her giddiness to take over, and a triumphant grin split on her face. Take that Suckers. High-fiving the girls, they chanced a glance at the boys one more time to find Neji and Sasuke pulling themselves out of the water and onto the deck. Even from a distance it was evident that the Hyuuga was the most furious, his pearly glare was trained solely on Tenten and his cousin. The brunette girl smirked cruelly, raising her right hand up to the sky, revealing the object of his anger. She waved the mahogany leather wallet playfully at him, earning a dark smile out of him. Tenten's throat went dry at that and she fought the anxiety pooling into her stomach. She knew that expression of his well... He was coming for them.

"N-neji looks f-furious," Hinata hugged herself feeling more than just the physical chill, her face laced with guilt as she watched her cousin follow the boys off the deck and out of sight.

Tenten turned around in her seat, grasping her shoulder firmly, causing the Hyuuga heiress's dejected gaze to meet her hazel reassuring ones ,"Trust me, he's mad at me for taking his wallet... He lost a bet against Shikamaru and most likely tried paying him with everyone watching but obviously could not," she smirked devilishly without the slightest remorse and continued softly,"He wont even be angry with you, I promise.. We simply kidnapped you, okay?" The plum-haired girl only nodded, trying to believe what the brunette was saying.

"Let's not waste anymore time, follow my lead ladies!" Tenten hollered as she gripped the clutch, splitting the water as she rode-by. Ino and Sakura followed suit a second later, into the rapidly coming night. The last rays of the sun had just slipped under the horizon, causing a wave of chills to brush over Sakura's skin. She hugged her crochet cardigan tightly around her body and turned her eyes back to where the moon's light hit the water. Illuminating its dark depths wherever it touched. It was breathtaking. The ocean was vast and unending, a terrifying beauty... Especially if one were to get lost.

Count on Sakura to be the negative-Nancy.

She quickly halted her train of thought and dismissed the awful scenario's, resuming her trust in the brunette's navigation. Tenten would not lead them astray.

They had a destination to get to.

"Anotherrr!" The gorgeous blonde sang as she raised her shot-glass up enthusiastically. Tenten, Sakura and even Hinata brought there small cups up and clinked their glasses together, before downing the pungent drink in one swig. Hinata set her cup down and began coughing harshly, causing the girls and boys to chuckle unabashedly.(They were currently unfiltered) Tenten quickly handed her some soda and urged her to drink, as it would chase down the sharp after-taste. Hinata eagerly complied, taking big gulps of the fuzzy drink. The girls had arrived at the restaurant known as 'Waves" that overlooked the ocean several hours ago. Once they had there first few rounds of shots, they were joined by a couple of uninvited boys around their age. Ino had immediately made room for the shaggy brunette known as Haru, as he slid into the seat beside her, the other two blondes had wedged themselves between Sakura, Tenten and Hinata. The rosette had disregarded his presence, what was his name? Akira? Akira wreaked of confidence and seduction with his twinkling grey eyes, several times he had placed his hand on her thigh, causing her to shift further and further away from him. But he was persistent, taking her demeanor as playing 'hard to get' which was not the case in the least. Sakura had wished they would just leave, but Ino and Tenten seemed to be enjoying the attention and so the rosette had remained silent.

It was nearly midnight, the girls had drunk more than their small bodies could handle and were ready to doze off in their seats.

Sakura sluggishly picked at her mostly-eaten food again. She had been so hungry when they first arrived, it hadn't even registered that she didn't have a bite to eat all day. She sighed, dropping the fork back onto the plate after a moment, as it currently proved to be to heavy with her sluggish movements and instead, dazedly watched as Tenten pulled out Neji's wallet, slipping out his ATM, she slid it over to the waitress. For some reason Sakura found that hilarious and her body was wracked with laughter, Ino and Tenten watched her in slight astonishment before they burst out laughing too. At what, they didn't know. It was all just funny. Hinata watched them peculiarly and managed a small giggle as well. Tenten was still laughing when the waitress came back, she reached for the receipt book-lit from the woman only to have it snatched out of their hands. Confused Tenten's eyes traveled toward the thief and found them widening painfully.

"N-Neji," Tenten gasped.

Sakura's eyes flew toward the scene at the mention of his name and she was reminded of how they had even gotten here in the first place(as that part had become a bit foggy due to the excessive drinking)She found him and Shikamaru, now sporting wife-beaters over their swim trunks and a glower present on both faces directed at the boys still seated snugly beside them. Neji shot daggers to the oblivious(or stupid) boy beside Tenten... and Sakura found herself strangely getting fearful for their safety. After a moment, he broke the silence, stating harshly,"Parties over," before grabbing the head of Tenten's chair and dragging it out roughly, causing her to yelp. That action seemed to bring her angry countenance back and she immediately stood up toe to toe with him. They both said nothing at first, seemingly speaking with their eyes. Neji's daring her to test him and Tenten's ready to do just that.

"Take your wallet and go," she seethed, pressing the burgundy leather against his toned stomach.

He covered the hand pressing the wallet into his ribs and he leaned in closer, their noses were nearly touching when he demanded,"Outside, right now." She was about to retort until he moved, pulling out both Hinata's and Sakura's chair. He hauled them both up by their arms and dragged them away, causing Akira and Hisoka to push out of their chairs as well. Shikamaru was already at the other end, he spoke in a hushed tone to the boy Haru, causing his once rosey cheeks to pale ghostly white. Haru immediately slid out of his seat and scattered a distance away. Shikamaru gruffly grabbed a half-conscious Ino, pulling her toward him.

Frustrated and drunk, Hisoka stepped up to the Hyuuga, trying to catch a glimpse of the girls from where they stood behind him, he confronted Neji,"Who do you think you are man? You don't just-" his sentence remained unfinished as Neji's fist met his jaw, Hisoka's head was thrown back as he stumbled to the ground, unconscious. The girls gasped and flinched at Neji's sudden, crumbling control. Well, all except for Ino who found the whole ordeal amusing and began clutching her stomach and roared with laughter, getting a 'troublesome' remark out of the lazy Genius carrying most of her weight. The two other boys weren't ready to fight for girls they had only just met, so they grabbed Hisoka and silently left the restaurant.

Again, Sakura remained baffled at the fact that a third of the employee's had witnessed what just happened and hadn't even lifted a finger to stop Neji, or even declare calling the police. She had never seen the composed Hyuuga so temperamental. Was he angry about the wallet? The fact that they hadn't found them until now? Or was he... jealous?

Maybe it was a little bit of everything, but he and the other boys were at fault too, he had no right coming off the way he did! She sighed dejectedly, even in her drunken, half-conscious state, she found it all extremely frustrating.

"Why-Why'd they leave? They were so niccee," the blonde slurred against Shikamaru's chest causing him to frown, he took pleasure in her yelp as he threw her over his shoulder and moved to grab the rosettes wrist tugging her along like a kindergartner as he made his way out of the restaurant. Tenten was still enraged and pulled her arm away from Neji, exiting the restaurant on her own. Neji glared holes at where she once stood and unconsciously tightened his grip on Hinata, leading her out.

Sakura felt as though she was dreaming, she should have been more angry honestly, they had just made them look like naive fools, who's virtues were on the line, in front of all those people, all over again. The memory of her blonde friend doing the same thing to her a few hours ago caused a dull ache in her heart... What was with these boys? Territorial wasn't even the word. She dragged her feet after Shikamaru as he lead them down to the shore where the Jet-Ski's had been parked. The cool waves washed over her feet and she closed her eyes, breathing in the misty air deeply, it felt wonderful in her euphoric-state and cooled her heated-system from earlier.

The sound of the Jet-ski's igniting caused her heavy eye-lids to flutter open. There on a lone Jet-Ski sat Sasuke, his presence made her suppressed anger rattle in its cage. He seemed to be checking the steering and front thoroughly, getting a wicked smirk out of Sakura.

He's checking his baby for any damage.

When she turned to her left to find the others, she found no one in sight. When had they..? Her eyes narrowed as she tried to look in the distance, to see if they had maybe rode around the corner to pick up some ramen, or aspirin, or ...something! There was no way they would have just left her... With him, right? Oh her anger was now bubbling within her. Ino, she could understand since she had basically overdosed, but Tenten was pretty alert, how could she leave her with him a second time? (Well in the back of her mind she knew Neji was in no-mood and had probably hauled her and Hinata away but her mind was to foggy to accept that.)

Furious and drunk, Sakura turned away from him and started wobbly walking back to the road. Stumbling over her feet as she went, she didn't recall the sandy hill being so difficult when they first arrived. Struggling for some time, she eventually succumbed to crawling her way up, sand clung to her legs, thighs and forearms as she barely progressed up the small hill. It all seemed to be moving in slow-motion and she found her body growing slack. The sand was just so soft beneath her, if she could just lay her head down for five minutes and take a quick power-nap she would be recharged and ready to walk back to the dock. Sakura laid on her stomach and folded her arms beneath her head, creating her make-shift pillow, and had nearly dozed off when she felt someone nudge her side. The rosette grunted before her muffled voice rasped,"Goway."

She felt the sand shift and sink beside her waist where the person shifted on its feet. And then she heard a soft thud, followed by warm skin coming into contact with her shoulder. Sakura peeked an eye open and lifted her head toward the second body. She found Sasuke's pale, relaxed frame laying on his back beside her, eyes closed, his shoulder was pressed snuggly against her elbow and her eyes narrowed into slits. The thought of strangling him now when he was unsuspecting and within reach was nearly overwhelming. She had mustered up an apology for him, a genuine one at that! And what did she get in return? He had brushed it off, made a joke out of it and walked away. This overly-confident prick! Simply lying there, with his God-like body... and chiseled face, with ebony locks falling over his eyes and jaw, and his thick dark lashes, long and almost feminine with their beauty... His lips, substantial, firm and pale. She found herself glaring darkly at his unknowing, perfect profile.

She hated him.

Liar.

He made her feel... sick.

Because he makes you nervous.

She loathed-

Her inner rant interrupted, as his eyes fluttered open, falling on her. Her scowl was still in place thankfully but the sight of his obsidian pool's regarding her with an undecipherable expression made her feel faint. She felt her anger morphing into something else, something she couldn't and didn't want to name and abruptly pushed onto her knee's and clumsily came to a stand. She didn't have the energy or patience to deal with him or her deceiving emotions.

Just barely passing the crown of his head, she felt warm fingers close around her ankle, halting her. She threw a dirty glower over her shoulder, down to where he still laid,"Let go," she demanded, before tugging her ankle viciously. He only tightened his grip, an annoyed grunt escaped his lips before he gave a rough tug, causing her to lose balance, her arms and legs flailed about as she fell onto her back. He had yet to relinquish his hold, only continuing to pull her down the soft sand until she was right beside him again. Dizziness overcame her and it took her a moment to clear her fuzzy vision. Damning him and alcohol to the ocean, she seethed, finding him nearly leaning over her with a glare of his own present on his handsome face,"What the hell! What is it with you Konoha men? Your all arrogant tyrants!"

"And you need a bell around your neck. It's late, and your drunk, where were you going?"

Her face contorted into indignation,"Isn't it obvious? Away from you Jerk!" She began shifting, rolling onto her side to push away from him, but he grasped her arm, jerking her back toward him, they struggled with one another and his annoyance grew at her unreasonableness. Patience out the window, Sasuke slanted his upper body over hers, pinning her arms up beside her head. Causing her eyes to widen in alarm.

He could easily overpower you.

"Get off m-me," Sakura writhed against him, thinking the absolute worst in her clouded mind, anxiety pooled into her belly and instructed her brash movements.

His brow's creased in confusion at her obvious fear, "Listen to me-"

He could easily have his way with you and no one would know.

"Let go of me!" She demanded, fighting even harder against him, completely missing the affliction in his gaze.

"Dammit, would you stop-"

Even if you called for help, they wouldn't do anything about it. These boys were above the law.

"Don't touch me!" She shrieked.

"Sakura, STOP IT!" Sasuke snarled, causing her to flinch. Panting heavily, she ceased her struggling and squeezed her eyes shut, fighting the blurriness filling them. The raven haired boy was seething, "Fuck. What the hell are you thinking? ...You think I'd take advantage of you like that?" She gave no response, her face contorted into one of pain, her eyes still clenched tightly.

Sasuke was panting raggedly himself, the sight before him caused his chest to constrict, he loosened his hold on her wrists,"Look at me."

Her breathing wasn't as laborious as she began to relax, her rigid frame also weakened, and panic diminished, but she stubbornly refused to meet his gaze. She felt a gentle caress run along her chin and up her cheek and felt her heart skip a beat at the lightness of it,(in contrast to the same fingers being so rough with her a moment ago)his voice was just above a whisper,"Please, Sakura."

She unwittingly found her eyes squinting open at his gentle plead, and her breath hitched at the sight. Was that worry etched on his brow? His eyes seemed to hold regret and she found he had moved a small distance away, but was still close enough for her to see her reflection in his mysterious dark orbs. She felt a surge of guilt swell within her at the honest expression on his face and blurted it out before she could stop it,"I'm sorry... I - I didn't mean to judge you like that..." Her voice was small and shaky,"I don't know what came over me... I panicked."

"Your drunk."

She felt relief flood through her system at his understanding, and nodded her head in agreement. This boy, this man, made her feel... So much. She was a jumble of emotions around him and she didn't know what to do with herself. Again, she felt her hurt from earlier seep into her heart and felt bitter all over again. She sighed dejectedly and tossed,"But then again... You don't think much of my apologies, so I take it back."

Instead of retorting or shooting her a scowl like she expected him to, he remained silent, almost contemplative. He turned away from her, resuming his laid back position beside her, his shoulder still pressed against hers. And all was quiet for a few moments.

Watching the twinkling stars enveloped by the midnight sky above them and listening to the swooshing of the waves come up the shore and retreating back, she felt her eyes droop again. It was soothing to say the least, the sound of the waves and the wind whipping against her ear, playing with the wisps of the hair framing her face were lulling her into sleep... and then Sasuke shifted, causing her to come back. She hadn't really been expecting a response and was ready to just drop it all and leave it behind her, until he spoke lowly.

"I... didn't want you to worry about something I had already forgotten," he admitted. He felt her shift onto her side at that and watch him curiously but didn't move to do the same.

Warmth enveloped her chest and she found herself smiling at his genuine explanation. He had already forgotten their argument.. Meaning, he had already forgiven her? So many questions rushed through her mind, she pondered over what they had spoken in the car that day, and his cool demeanor that followed. Even in class she hadn't seen the slightest offense on his face.. And her worrying and stumbling over her words to form an apology earlier on the Yacht had him quickly dismissing it.

Warmth shined through her emerald gaze as she continued to study him. Was she dreaming? Was this the same teasing Sasuke, that always spoke in riddles? She debated chugging more alcohol down his throat to find out all his secrets. And when she continued to simply watch him without a response, he shuffled onto his side as well, throwing her a half-lidded haughty expression,"It's rude to stare."

There's the Sasuke she knew. She felt heat envelope her cheeks and giggled nervously,"I - I wasn't staring, you - had a bug!"

Not falling for her excuse one bit he interrogated cruelly,"Well, where is it?"

"In your hair!" she answered much too quickly and cursed inwardly. She had not been checking him out. For the fourth time that day. Nope.

His lips broke out into a smirk at that and she found herself biting her bottom lip to restrain her own forming smile. She didn't know how long they had been simply laying on the shore or why they hadn't left yet but, she found herself enjoying his company for once. She wasn't anxious, antsy, or insecure, just light and... giddy. She sighed and flashed her eyes up to meet his again and felt her pulse quickening at his unreadable gaze watching her intently.

Those deep-green irises that seemed to cross his mind more than he'd like to admit as of late, fluttered up to him again. Curious and lovely, they expressed her every emotion like a mirror, little did she know of it. Their glossiness was unhindered by her drunken state, and his eyes unabashedly, lazily traveled over her high cheek-bones, along her petite nose, and down to her rosey lips. They seemed to be begging for a kiss with their ripe, tantalizing plumpness. He sensed her catching of breath at his assessments and flashed his eyes back up to her dazed gaze. The expression gave him a different high, even more-so than he already felt and it took all his will-power not to seal his lips over hers... She wasn't ready, he knew. Not when her defensive walls were still strong and standing. Not when she took every chance she could to get away from him. He was aware that he got under her skin more than she would have liked. He made her nervous, unsure of herself.

And she unknowingly made him... not himself.

He exhaled sharply and pushed up onto his feet, running a hand over his face and into his hair, he looked down at her. She was still watching him. He reached out his hand toward her, motioning her to grab it, and she did, letting him help her up. She stood and was assaulted by a wave of dizziness washing over her again, she helplessly leaned against him, pressing her palm against her forehead, and closed her eyes for a moment, waiting for it to pass. She needed to sleep. His warmth seemed to seep into her and she felt her body tingling in response. He had slanted his bare body over hers moments ago and she had completely psyched herself out from fear, but now it was different, it was both terrifying and... thrilling. His right hand disappeared behind her cardigan and gripped her bare backside and left hand moved to caress her neck. Her eyes shot open, and heart sped up painfully,"S-Sasuke?"

He didn't stop, his hands seemed to burn her skin where he left feather-light touches and she shuddered. That unreadable expression was present on his handsome face again and she felt something jolt through her belly at the sight. He dipped his head, slowly, alluringly, and stopped just before pressing his lips against hers. His hand moved up along her neck, caressing her jaw and over her temple, pushing back wisps of hair, he uttered silkily,"You had a bug," before releasing her and walking away, down toward the Jet-Ski.

Lightheaded and utterly speechless, Sakura watched him go, fighting the butterflies wreaking havoc in her stomach and licked her parched lips.

He was going to be the death of her.

...

..

.

So..? ;)

Things to consider:

'Neji's fist met Hisoka's jaw,' If some of you are confused as to why Neji was so brash, it will be clarified in the next chapter :) ...but obviously he was jealous.

'Sakura remained baffled at the fact that a third of the employee's had witnessed the transaction and didn't take action,' Obviously Sakura didn't want Neji to get into any trouble with the cops or anything, but she is so confused as to how/why this group of people she has come to befriend are able to get away with so many unlawful misgivings and would definitely not be as suspicious/afraid if she knew what was going on.

'He could have his way with you and no one would know,' After witnessing Neji punch Hisoka in her drunken state, her suspicions of the group reached its limit. Sasuke slanting his body over hers and she reacting the way she did was purely out of the fear that these people did as they pleased and got away with it. Her clouded mind obviously made her misjudge his intentions and the situation.

Any questions?

Please do review, I put a lot of time into this and your feedback is always encouraging and gratifying, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this!